MSU: Names and social security numbers accessed in data breach

EAST LANSING, MICH. - Michigan State University said Friday "unauthorized users" gained access last weekend to a university database that contained about 400,000 records, including included names, social security numbers, MSU identification numbers.

The affected database was accessed on Sunday and was taken offline within 24 hours of the hack, the university said. The database contained about 400,000 records, but the university said only 449 records were confirmed to have been accessed.

"At Michigan State University, we are committed to data and privacy protection," according to a statement on the school's website. "Regrettably, we were recently the target of a criminal act in which unauthorized users gained access to our computer and data systems. Information security is a top priority of our university, and we know the frustration this is causing members of our community."

The Lansing Board of Water & Light was the victim of an April 25 ransomware attack that crippled its internal network and forced it to pay a $25,000 ransom. It cost the utility around $2 million for technical support and equipment to upgrade their security, according to financial records.